Otters’ owner buys Oxbow Motel

CHARLEMONT — The Colrain restaurateur who bought Otters Restaurant (formerly known as Stillwaters) last winter has just purchased its neighbor: the Oxbow Motel Resort on Route 2.

Donald Kahn bought the motel from Christopher and Melanie Mossman in late October, and is currently planning improvements, including better wi-fi wireless service and expanded television channels. The motel has 25 rooms, a six-hole golf course, swimming pool and tennis court.

Kahn said the restaurant and motel used to be on one property until about 13 years ago, when the restaurant and motel were sold to separate owners.

“Legally, they’re still separate, but I own both,” he said.

Kahn said it makes sense to own both the restaurant and the motel. “We would like to make it (the motel) more of a destination,” he said. “We’ll have specials with the restaurant.”

Although summer is expected to be the busiest season for the motel, Kahn said the motel is seeing business from linemen and utility workers recently.

He said the Oxbow will keep its same name and continue catering to families with children. “We do know we have a lot of repeat business — people who come back here year after year,” he said.

Although this is Kahn’s first restaurant and motel business, Kahn owned the Good Spirits Liquor Shoppe & Wine Cellar in Shelburne Falls from 1996 to 2003.

For more information about the motel, call 625-6011, or visit the website: